| FAQ's |
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Microbicides
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| 1. What are Microbicides? |
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A “microbicide” is a substance that a woman places inside her vagina or rectum before sexual intercourse to reduce the transmission of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The microbicide can be in the form of a gel, cream, film, or sponge. The microbicide works by killing the STI microbe or by preventing the microbe from invading the epithelium (skin) of the vagina or rectum. If the microbe cannot invade the epithelium, the microbe cannot cause illness. |
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| 2. Why do we need microbicides ? |
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| The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to grow and millions of people worldwide continue to contract STIs. Drug treatments are expensive, ineffective, or not available to people from resource poor areas. Vaccines against STIs, such as HIV/AIDS, are being developed but are not available presently. Therefore, new types of methods to prevent the spread of STIs are urgently needed. Microbicides represent one such option. Since the woman is in control of using the product, microbicides will help to address the gender inequality of sexual encounters and serve as a viable option to women whose partners refuse to use condoms. |
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| 3. Will microbicides protect against all STIs? HIV/AIDS ? |
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A microbicide that protects against one STI may not necessarily protect against another STI. Scientists are hoping to discover microbicides will protect against a wide range of pathogens, including HIV. |
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| 4. Would a microbicides eliminate the need for a condom? |
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| No. Condoms are still the most effective method of preventing STIs, but using a condom and microbicides at the same time will provide added protection. Also, in situations where a woman cannot convince her partner to use a condom, microbicides will offer some protection. |
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| 5. Would a microbicide prevent a woman from becoming pregnant? |
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Scientists are trying to develop microbicides that prevent pregnancy and others that do not. A microbicide that does not prevent pregnancy will be important for women who wish to protect themselves against STIs but still have children. |
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| 6. What are the potential risks of microbicides? Is such a product safe? |
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Any microbicide that is developed will undergo safety testing before it is made available to consumers. Scientists hope to develop a product that can be purchased "over the counter" in drugstores without a doctor's prescription
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| 7. How is a microbicide better for women? |
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Unlike a condom which must be worn by her partner, a microbicide is used by the woman. She does not have to "negotiate" its use, and this may help to remove any psychological barriers to protection. An ideal microbicide will also be undetectable by her partner, and thus, allow a woman to use a microbicide without having to bring up awkward conversations about sex or acknowledging any doubt about contracting a STI from her partner. |
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